Hull City boss Nigel Adkins is to step his attempts to sign a new centre-back and a new centre forward after making Marc Pugh his first signing of the January transfer window.

Pugh will spend the remainder of the season at the KCOM Stadium after completing his loan move from Premier League side Bournemouth last night.

The 31-year-old trained with his new team-mates for the first time yesterday and is expected to come into contention for a City debut away to Blackburn Rovers this weekend.

Landing Pugh provides Adkins with a welcome boost in his attempts to strengthen a squad that has moved to within six points of the play-offs and attentions are now focused on signing cover in both defence and attack ahead of next Thursday’s deadline.

Marc Pugh has become Hull City's first signing of the January window after joining from Bournemouth on loan (Image: Hull City)

City are short in both departments after seeing Tommy Elphick recalled by Aston Villa and opting to loan Will Keane to Ipswich, while a calf injury to Jordy de Wijs has accentuated the lack of defensive depth.

The Tigers have been credited with an interest in Bournemouth’s Tyrone Mings, who is expected to join Pugh in leaving the Vitality Stadium this month following the arrival of Brentford’s Chris Mepham in a £12m deal.

Competition for Mings’ services is expected to be fierce, with West Brom and Aston Villa also keen.

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City were also linked with Rotherham United forward Michael Smith yesterday but the Millers would be loath to lose their attacking talisman in the midst of a survival scrap. Adkins has previously suggested he does not expect to have funds at his disposal this month.

The Tigers will keep their options open as business begins to build ahead of next week’s deadline but capturing Pugh ensures Adkins has addressed one perceived shortcoming in his squad.

Competition for places behind Jarrod Bowen and Kamil Grosicki has been limited but Pugh, who can play on either flank or as a number 10, will provide another dimension for the remaining 18 games.

Hull City head coach Nigel Adkins arrives at the KCOM Stadium (Image: Focus)

A veteran of two promotions, Pugh has been described by Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe as a “model professional” and departs the Cherries after eight and a half years of service.

Pugh is eager to prove himself ahead of becoming a free agent this summer and Adkins will not rule out a long-term move if the winger impresses.